The summer is just around the corner, and this means days full of lake houses, beach houses, and water activities. Jet-skis are one of the fun water activities that many people (including children) often partake in during the summer. However, inexperience and other factors can lead to dangerous accidents involving jet-skis which can lead to very serious injuries.

Jet-Ski Accident

Jet skis are highly popular summer recreational vehicles and are found within all Connecticut lakes. People enjoy jet skis because they can get to high speeds and can operate in shallow waters. Many jet ski users enjoy riding the wakes caused by boats and zip across the lake, doing maneuvers at high rates of speed. However, these maneuvers can lead to serious accidents if the jet ski is not correctly operates.

In 2012, there were close to 400 jet ski accidents throughout the country, leading to 20 deaths and 388 injuries. Accidents can happen in a number of ways. If you are the driver of a jet ski, you have the right of way in many instances involving accidents with larger watercrafts, such as speed boats or sailboats. However, as a swimmer in the water, you are especially susceptible to injuries by an inexperienced jet ski operator if they do not know to look for any hazards in the water. Inexperience is one of the top factors in leading to jet ski accidents, as well as inebriation or operator distraction.

Jet ski accidents frequently occur when lakes are crowded during holiday weekends, such as Memorial Day weekend or Fourth of July weekend. During these weekends, a number of people are out on lakes in both boats and simply swimming alone. Jet skiers must be aware of their surroundings, but many do not take the time to assess their surroundings, and it is often difficult while traveling at such a high rate of speed.

Many studies have indicated that jet ski accidents have the potential to cause more serious injuries than other water-based injuries because of the high speed of jet skis. Many jet ski injuries include head trauma and spine injuries, caused when a jet ski strikes an object head on. The jet ski rider is often thrown from the jet ski into the object or into another boat.

If you have been injured by another boat operator or by a jet ski operator, you may be entitled to injuries you sustained as the result of a jet ski accident, including medical bills, lost wages, future earnings, future medical care, loss of enjoyment of life, and pain and suffering.

If you or a loved one have been injured as the result of a jet ski accident, do not hesitate to contact the experienced Connecticut jet-ski accident lawyers of Eagan, Donohue, Van Dyke & Falsey LLP. Our attorneys have years of experience in handling water injuries and work hard to ensure that your injuries receive the compensation you deserve. Contact our West Hartford office today for your initial free consultation.